A case of haemoptysis diagnosed using digital video endoscopy and treated with the holmium-YAG laser

We report a case of persistent haemoptysis, initially investigated by chest physicians. An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) opinion was sought because no source for the bleeding could be found. On video-endoscopic examination of the trachea using a three chip digital camera system, a vascular lesion, possibly an arteriovenous malformation, was seen on the anterior tracheal wall. This was successfully coagulated using the holmium-YAG laser, with resultant cessation of bleeding.